Parliamentary Law Making Flashcards
(9 cards)
What is the pre-legislative stage?
Green paper is drafted (proposal for new law). Paper is available for consultation & amendments may be made. It is then known as white paper.
What is introduction/first reading?
Bill is introduced to parliament. They start in both House of Lords and Commons but mostly in the House of Commons.
What is the second reading?
The purposes of the bill are presented by the Minister responsible for the bill. A majority vote is taken for the next stage.
What is the committee stage?
A standing committee scrutinise the bill. Between 16 & 50 MP’s gather to go through the bill & make any amendments that are needed.
What is the report stage?
Amendments made in committee stage are reported and can be accepted or rejected in a majority vote.
What is the third reading?
Another majority vote is taken in the bill, if this stage is passed the bill is likely to become law.
What is the House of Lords stages
Third reading passes through the other house where it didn’t start. The ping-pong stage happens where the bill goes back and forth.
What is Royal Assent?
Royal assent must be given by the King to become law. However, it hasn’t been refused since 1707 when Queen Anne withheld royal assent on the Scottish Militia Bill.
What are the stages in order?
- Pre-legislative stage
- Introduction
- Second reading
- Committee stage
- Report stage
- Third reading
- House of Lords Stages
- Royal Assent
